Cheshire East Council facing predicted shortfall of more than £15.2m in 2027/28

By Belinda Ryan - Local Democracy Reporter 26th Jun 2026

Local News by Belinda Ryan - Local Democracy Reporter 26th Jun 2026

The council only managed to balance its books this year by using £24.995m exceptional financial support from government (Credit: Nub News)

Cheshire East is facing a predicted shortfall of more than £15.2m in 2027/28 – and this is after proposed savings of £13.3m have been taken into account.

A report to next week's meeting of the cabinet calls on all councillors and departments to 'focus on further transformation work and savings ideas generation work to reduce down the predicted shortfall in funding'.

The council only managed to balance its books this year by using £24.995m exceptional financial support from government by way of an 'in-principle' capitalisation direction.

The report from the council's finance department states: "This is not sustainable and needs to be addressed in this year for the council to become financially sustainable."

It continues: "The forecast gaps in the later years must be planned for as part of the business planning process for this year, as well as the council learning to live within its means by delivering all planned savings and containing cost increases within the approved growth in 2026/27.

"To do otherwise will increase financial pressures in future years and will widen the financial gaps to be closed."

The report says the council will undertake a comprehensive programme of engagement to inform the medium term financial strategy (budget) for 2027/28 to 2029/30, beginning in August and building through to a formal consultation period later in the year.

The cabinet meeting takes place on Thursday, July 2, at 10.30am at Delamere House in Crewe.

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Comments (5)

This discussion is now closed for comments.

Stop building white elephants and have a referendum with the crewe residents on what the money should be spent on .. every crewe resident should have access to the books as we pay our council tax. ..instead council spends a lot on immigration hotels instead of fixing roads cutting trees down so you can see road signs and wasting a lot on things we dont need. Crewe town centre depleted to make way for houses. It's very depressing.

15 mill shortfall.
Simple,sell all the empty car parks you see dotted about the wasteland and get some usage out the white elephant multi .

Good job they built a massive car park in Crewe. Bet that is pulling in millions? Right? Also that green waste surcharge. Yes. Im certain that will balance the books.

Start with dismissing anyone in a DEI position.

Roll on the next election remove all councillors

Have a consultation meeting with the rate and tax payers.
Listen to the people who pay your wages .
Bring subcontract work back to the workers of CEC and save money.
Road ways and highway lighting being done by sub contractors offering sub standard work.
I noticed a street light being repaired the other day by Eon,
How much is this costing.
And don't forget as I mentioned before about CEC wasting money on Dish Washers for the staff,
Now some of the staff are being made redundant,
CEC GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND LISTEN TO THE RATE PAYERS AND STOP USING OUR MONEY LIKE CONFETTI 🎊.🧐